start of rebuilt engine gone bad - no oil pressure

[TomM]

I went to start my rebuilt engine this weekend. It fired fine but NO OIL PRESSURE according to the gauge.
Gauge checks ok (fuel, gen and temp all appeared to be working ok too)
Checked oil pressure sensor - it reads less than 1 ohm. Wiring checks ok. I can install a mechanical gauge but see below regarding pre-lube.

Checked for oil in line to oil filter -its dry. Thats not good.
I plan pull the oil pump (NOS) check and re-prime - will probably change it while going to the trouble as I have a new Mellings here anyway.

Is there any way to check the pickup without pulling the pan? vacuum on the pump intake while its off?

Now I'm concerned that all the assembly lube may not be there for the next start. Any advice on pre-oiling the engine before the next attempt?

UPDATE: I spoke with the machine shop and the guy that did the long block machine work and assembly. He said not to pull anything and he will give me his pressure tank to prelube the engine and known-good mechanical gauge. He and I are agreeing I can go in through the pipe plug just aft of the oil pump and pressurize there since that will let me check the gauge.
Hope this is just loss of prime on the pump.


Tom

[warriorg1]

Tom please read my method of priming your new engine. It is the best way to make sure your engine assembly has no excessive leaks. When you turn the pump with an electric drill motor you will feel back pressure when it primes fully. Any questions i will gladly reply. I'm sorry it is under the post about CRANKSHAFT PULLY NUT.

[TomM]

Thanks, just read it.

[Ryan_Miller]

Hey,

did the rebuilder put that special oil fitting at the front of the engine that squirts onto the cam gear? Ben Daugherty had the same initial issue that you have and he found out they forgot to put that fitting on.

I would think twice about pulling the pump to check if it has oil. It should suck up oil when you turn it by hand (once it is out of the block). You might want to initially use the melling pump.

I would prelube and use the mechanical gauge for sure. I used a mechanical gauge on mine until recently.

Let us know how things go.